Campaigners warn controversial statistics may never see light of day as DWP appeals against a freedom of information request
A last minute appeal has been launched by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) against an order by the Information Commissioner to publish controversial claimant death statistics.
Anti-welfare reform campaigners say there is now a strong possibility that the figures will never be published – signalling a desire by the DWP to pursue every avenue of appeal available.
Employment and support allowance (ESA) death statistics cover the number of ESA claimants who have died soon after being found fit for work, as well as those who died after being placed in the work-related activity group.
Political blogger Mike Sivier first made the request for these figures be published and then complained to the information commissioner when the DWP refused.
This policy is costing people’s lives - David Randall
The commissioner stepped in and gave the government 28 days in which to either submit an appeal to a freedom of information tribunal or publish the figures.
It decided to appeal on 28 May with just two hours to spare.
If the DWP loses at the tribunal it can then go on to the high court, the court of appeal and the supreme court, meaning it could take years before the final outcome is determined.
And campaigners believe the controversy created by the previous release of ESA figures in July 2012 means the government will pursue every avenue available to prevent updated figures being revealed.
Sivier said: “Clearly the cowards of Caxton House are terrified of revealing the true numbers of those who have died as a result of Conservative policies towards the sick and disabled, and have delayed their appeal until almost the last minute in order to delay, for as long as possible, the moment when they have to provide the facts.”
David Randall, who has been backing the campaign to reveal the figures ever since his partner Margaret died of a heart attack after being assessed as fir for work in 2013, said the DWP feared a backlash.
“Ministers know the last round of figures showed the inhumanity of welfare cuts,” he said. “This policy is costing people’s lives.
“Some have killed themselves while for others, like my partner, the strain becomes too much and they physically can’t cope.
“The problem is no-one has the resources to take on the government in court so it is in a very strong position and these updated figures may never see the light of day.”
